Gig review: Novocain numbs rather than excites
Published May 11, 2005
Novocain
Cargo
London, 10 May 2005
A sparsely filled Cargo saw a rather mixed performance by the multi-vocalist band Novocain. The band seem to me to be attempting a Garbage-like style and achieved it at times. It was truly a performance of 1/3rds. The band, featuring Rosco on guitar and Adrian Klemens on drums was rather good; it was the vocalists that were the mixed bag.
Things started off well and good with Johanna Larsson's aloof style and stage persona perfectly matching the mood of the music and the vibe of the gig. It was with her at the helm that the band seemed tightest and most together. The other two vocalists were less so. Angeline and Dominique were neither very impressive, a bit of rap snuck its way in for an unwelcome presence. In fact one of the pair spent much of her time trying way too hard and falling rather flat. Her performance was way over the top and became quite comical.
The band are rather good, if in need of a full contingent. A mixed bag to be sure; one that needs to be sorted tout suite.
Rating: 3/5
Marty's band, Growing Old Disgracefully, can be found at: Disgraceful Music. His Cthulhu tales can be found at Temple of Dagon. 
- Gig review: Novocain numbs rather than excites
- Published: May 11, 2005
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Pop
- Writer: Marty Dodge
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Comments on this articleComments
Marty Dodge's scathing remarks on Angeline and Dominique are completely uncalled for and certainly not representative of the show or band. The fact that he is friends with Johanna (who has since left the band) might explain the bitching about the other singers.
This is a lie. I am not Johanna's friend. I have merely met her a few times via her boyfriend whose gigs I have covered. We do not socialise with her or her boyfriend; she is merely a passing acquiantance. Check your facts before you accuse someone of prejudice. 3/5 is not a bad score btw.
LOL ,, I've seen Novocain before and they're cool ,, I like that they have different vocalist ,, it stops it from becoming one very long boring set as many other bands tend to have. Some vocalist are better than others, but there is no reason to fight about it. The reviewer has his own opinion on what's good and what's not, as is his right to. My opinion is that although Novocain might not be the greatest band in the world, they sure are a hell of allot better than allot of the unsigned bands performing now. I'm sure they'll soon be snatched up by some major label and completely change, but for now I really recommend people check them out.
um, adrian is a really good drummer, johanna has a great voice, rosco has a great haircut, dominique is quite fit and i dunno about angeline
i think you should have a duel at the next novocain gig (if they play again) and sort it out in the traditional way
honour has been offended!!!
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I have just stumbled across this review, and although it was written a few months ago, I felt the need to reply. I have been a long-standing supporter of Novocain and was actually at this gig. I can?t believe how off the mark Marty Dodge?s comments are!! Yes, Johanna has a nice voice, but she was by no means the star. Angeline Conaghan and Dominique were both fantastic and added different dimensions to the show. Angeline has a strong voice and showed off her unique vocal abilities with a quirky break in the middle of her song. Dominique had a real presence on stage, was compelling to watch and showed us what an amazing voice she has. The fact that there were 3 completely individual performers was a positive thing and added interest to the performance.
Marty Dodge?s scathing remarks on Angeline and Dominique are completely uncalled for and certainly not representative of the show or band. The fact that he is friends with Johanna (who has since left the band) might explain the bitching about the other singers.